Clarice R Johnson *
Clarice R. “Clancy” Johnson, 79, of Springfield was born on September 17, 1936, in Springfield to the late Emerson Paul and Lucille Eipper McCarley. She met James R. “Dick” Johnson met her near the end of her junior year at Springfield High School. She was always a great listener. They became engaged during Christmas break in 1955 and were married in Grace Methodist Church on April 21, 1956. Their son Douglas was born November 28, 1957. After Dick’s graduation from the University of Cincinnati they moved to Mt. Vernon, Ohio and their first daughter Deborah was born in October 1959, second daughter Kelly in February 1961 and their third daughter Robin in October 1962.
While being an outstanding wife and mother to 4 children, Clancy was a part of the Welcome Wagon, garden clubs with a knack for flower arranging and friends with the Cooper sales staff wives. Her family moved to Houston, Texas in January 1968. Clancy was gifted by God with hospitality and loved being involved in meeting and entertaining many Cooper Energy Services customers, while keeping the family together while Dick traveled the US and Mexico for CES. She took advantage of a childhood dream of modeling while in Texas from 1970-’71. She joined Women Aglow in 1972 and became a mentor, counselor and teacher to many young women in North Houston and Spring, Texas.
In 1980, they moved to San Marcos, Texas to attend Hill Country Faith Ministries Bible College. Clancy found time to work as an executive secretary in San Marcos. After graduation, they moved back to Spring, Tx. to be a part of Cornerstone Church and the Christian School as facilitators. In 1985, they were called to pastor a small cell church in Corpus Christi, Texas and Clancy became a pastor’s wife and shepherded a small flock until 1986 when they returned to Spring, Texas, where she resumed the roles of mentor, counselor, discipler and teacher. It was during this last term in Spring, Texas when she was diagnosed with the rare blood disease, polycythemia vera, along with several other heart maladies. The heat and humidity of Houston became uncomfortable so the Johnsons moved back to Springfield, Ohio in March 2000. Son Doug preceded her in passing in September 1998 and daughter Debbie in December 2015.
She is survived by her devoted husband Dick of 59 years and 11 months, two daughters, Kelly Denise Johnson of Texas, and Robin Leigh (Gary) Wisdom of Texas, seven grandchildren and one step grandson: Alicia Benz (Charles), Amber Black (Ryan), Tonya Weycker (Keith), Randie Williams, Brett Powell, Aaron Powell, Lainie Powell and Barrett Wisdom, seven great grandchildren, four cousins, nephews and nieces, and many special friends whom she affectionately called, “her people.”
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday from 5-8:00 p.m. in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME. A celebration of her life and ministry will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Christian Church, 2301 Valley Loop Rd., Springfield, with Pastor Grant Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nehemiah Foundation, P. O. BOX 3112, Springfield, OH 45501 or Community Mercy Hospice, 100 W. McCreight Ave., Suite 400, Springfield, OH 45504.
The family extends our warmest thank you and appreciation to the staff of Community Mercy Hospice, the staff of VanCrest of Urbana Health Care Center, Dr. Richard Darr, and Dr. Daljeet Singh for their outstanding and compassionate care for our Clancy.